A Warm and Cute Strike (GL) - Chapter 26

Mango TV?

Xiang Nan looked up from his newspaper, staring at the nanny, Auntie Lin, as he expressed his confusion.

Mango TV was a station with explosive ratings. By virtue of its numerous hit idol dramas and various innovative reality and variety shows, it attracted a massive audience of young viewers; one could say it was always at the forefront of fashion.

Among its programs, one “Ace” variety show had been popular for nearly a decade, maintaining consistently high ratings. Xiang Nan had appeared on it once to promote a new film, and it was that very show that broke open his domestic fame.

Furthermore, the talk show “Jingjing Speaks” he had recorded with Ye Feifei a few days ago was also a very popular program with top-tier weekly ratings and a solid reputation. Otherwise, the wealthy Huashi Company wouldn’t have chosen “Jingjing Speaks” as the platform to clear Xiang Nan and Ye Feifei’s names.

Xiang Nan’s two previous collaborations with Mango TV had been very pleasant, and he naturally harbored a positive impression of the station. However, he was certain that his recent schedule contained no arrangements related to them…

Could something have gone wrong with the interview show he recorded with his wife? But it had aired successfully last night, and he had even checked the online feedback; the direction was very positive, and his Weibo following had grown by nearly a million overnight.

So, what could it be?

“Mr. Xiang, would you like to take it?” Seeing Xiang Nan lost in thought and delaying the answer, Auntie Lin felt she had to prompt him.

“Mhm. You said the person on the phone is a Mr. Zhou?” Xiang Nan set the newspaper aside and stood up to walk toward the landline.

“Yes. He gave his full name, but I didn’t hear it clearly…” Auntie Lin shrunk back a little.

“Mhm.” Xiang Nan didn’t make things difficult for her. He waved for her to leave and picked up the receiver. “Hello—Hi, this is Xiang Nan.”

“Mr. Xiang, hello, hello! This is Zhou Ludong from Mango TV. We met at the station a few days ago…”

As the other party introduced himself, the expression on Xiang Nan’s face turned somewhat peculiar.

He knew of Zhou Ludong. Technically, they were alumni from the same department, though Zhou Ludong had graduated over a decade before him. While they knew of each other, they had no prior personal relationship. Only a few days ago, when he and Ye Feifei went to record their show, they had crossed paths. They were introduced by the producer and exchanged business cards.

Unlike him, Zhou Ludong specialized in variety shows. He was known for being a bit of an eccentric; word was that he wasn’t particularly popular at the station, and his team wasn’t very well-regarded. However, it was undeniable that he was a very talented and capable director. The first reality show to ever truly blow up in China was planned and recorded by his team, and his subsequent programs all had good reputations, accumulating a vast audience over multiple seasons.

Given Zhou Ludong’s profession, it wasn’t hard for Xiang Nan to guess that he was calling to invite him to participate in some show.

Sure enough, after some small talk, Zhou Ludong got to the point: “It’s like this: our station is currently planning a brand-new reality show, and I wanted to see if you’d be interested?”

Xiang Nan declined without a second thought. “I’m very sorry, my schedule for the next month or so is completely full…” Besides, he wasn’t particularly interested in reality TV.

“That’s not a problem! Schedules can be adjusted! Rest assured, our crew will absolutely arrange the timing to accommodate all our guests; we strive to make everyone happy! Junior Brother Xiang, for the sake of Professor Fei Zhenguo, won’t you do your Senior Brother a favor?”

“…” Hearing him put it that way, Xiang Nan could only change his tune. “Then… why don’t you tell me what kind of show it is first?”

“Right, right! How about we meet and talk?” Seeing him soften, Zhou Ludong grew excited.

Xiang Nan’s lip twitched, then he replied politely, “Senior Brother Zhou, don’t be in such a rush. I need to know what kind of show it is before considering a detailed talk. That way, we won’t waste anyone’s time, right?”

“Of course, of course. The show is like this…”

As Zhou Ludong began his explanation, Xiang Nan’s brow furrowed deeper and deeper.

Simply put, the show was a reality show about parent-child interaction. Five celebrity fathers would take a three-day, two-night outdoor trip, caring for their children’s daily lives and completing tasks together to achieve the desired program effect. These five celebrity fathers all came from the entertainment industry, though their identities were still in the confidential stage.

Now, Zhou Ludong wanted to invite Xiang Nan and his daughter to participate.

“What does Junior Brother think?” Zhou Ludong’s voice was full of hope.

He was out of options. The show had been in preparation for over a year, but due to guest issues, it was currently in a state of semi-stagnation. The critical problem was that children don’t wait—if they waited another six months or a year, the ages of the celebrity children already signed might no longer be suitable.

He was currently “clutching at straws,” just looking for someone to fill the numbers so they could start filming. Coincidentally, with the recent exposure of Ye Feifei and Xiang Nan’s secret marriage, the reports were everywhere; the show could ride that wave of publicity.

He hadn’t seen Xiang Nan’s child, but given the couple’s looks, he figured the daughter wouldn’t look too bad. Even if she was truly ugly, they could just give her less screen time during editing—the important thing was to start filming. However, he had seen Xiang Nan’s daughter from a distance outside Qi Tao’s house; aside from being a bit thin and small, she seemed quite good-looking.

“Senior Brother Zhou, I must say, this is a very interesting and creative program.” Xiang Nan adjusted his glasses. “But I may not have the honor… If it were just me alone, I would certainly go to support you. But bringing a child… I’m afraid that’s not quite appropriate.”

Xiang Nan did not want his daughter exposed to the public too early. He wanted to give her more freedom and space so she could have a simple, carefree childhood like any ordinary child. He planned to let her choose her own path when she grew up. Until then, whatever she chose, he would support her fully.

“Junior Brother, I think you should reconsider.” Zhou Ludong was prepared for this; the refusal didn’t surprise him. “I imagine you’re usually busy and probably don’t have much time to spend with your daughter. This show provides an excellent opportunity to promote father-daughter bonding! And don’t worry, our show is very positive and wholesome. Our theme is letting the public feel the warmth of family and affection; we won’t engage in excessive ‘packaging’ or hype…”

Zhou Ludong spoke incessantly. Having sought out many people, he was well-versed in his script.

However, Xiang Nan didn’t listen to most of it. The only point he caught was the part about “promoting father-daughter bonding”…

Just me alone, taking my daughter on a short trip? That sounds quite nice! Thinking of how much his daughter depended on him, Xiang Nan couldn’t help but feel a bit swayed.

“Junior Brother, think it over. You don’t have to decide right away. I’ll contact you in a couple of days for your answer!” Zhou Ludong said his goodbyes and hung up.

Xiang Nan set the receiver down thoughtfully. He glanced at the time, asked Auntie Lin to prepare breakfast, and headed toward the stairs to the second floor.

The Second Floor

In the room at the end of the hallway, all was peaceful. Sunlight filtered through the slightly parted curtains, falling upon two little girls sleeping in each other’s arms. Their small heads were close together, and their dark hair was scattered and intertwined, looking perfectly intimate.

At that moment, the older girl’s eyelashes fluttered slightly as she slowly opened her eyes. Her eyes still held the daze of someone who had just woken up. She blinked, looking at the tiny face inches away from her own, her reaction a half-beat slow.

Usually, Xiang Qingnuan woke up earlier than her, so this was the first time Qin Xuening had seen the little girl while she was asleep. She was sleeping soundly, her mouth slightly open, revealing two pearly white teeth. Her plump cheek was pressed into the pillow, slightly squashed out of shape.

This was the first time Xuening had ever been so close to another person—so close that their breaths were entangled. It felt strange to her. However, unlike before, she wasn’t in a hurry to pull away.

The little girl’s breathing was shallow. Because they were so close, the child’s breath puffed against her face, lightly swaying the hair that hung against her cheek. The tickling sensation was gentle.

Xuening pulled back slightly. She saw the little girl furrow her brow—likely uncomfortable from the sunlight, caught between waking and sleeping. Xuening propped her head up on her elbow and used her upper body to shield the girl in her shadow.

The little girl let out a small mumble but didn’t wake up.

Xuening smiled—a smile filled with a tenderness she herself hadn’t noticed. Looking at her from this range, she realized the girl’s skin was very white and smooth, like a freshly peeled hard-boiled egg—flawless and delicate. Though the face before her was chubby with baby fat, its owner was actually quite thin and small. Her tiny stature was like a little “bean sprout,” making one instinctively feel protective.

Xuening’s fingertips moved unconsciously against the sheets. Watching the sleeping girl, the melody of the piano piece “Für Elise” (originally titled “For Therese”) began to play in her mind. It was a famous piece, gentle and bright, written by her favorite Western composer.

Legend had it that the piece was written for a beautiful, kind, angel-like little girl named Therese. She had always believed that the angel in the music didn’t exist—that it was merely a romantic fantasy of the composer. Yet, it seemed she had actually met one in reality…

Xuening’s gaze grew somewhat dreamy. In the interplay of light and shadow, a hint of sunlight finally colored the usually gloomy and cynical face of the young girl. Though faint, it quietly shifted her temperament. Unconsciously, Xuening began to hum that soft, cheerful melody.

She looked at the girl right before her and reached out to gently brush a strand of hair from her forehead. However, her cool finger accidentally touched the girl’s skin.

Qingnuan mumbled and woke up blearily. She rubbed her eyes with her small hands and, upon seeing Qin Xuening, instinctively gave a brilliant smile.

“Sister Xuening, good morning!”

That smile was like the first ray of morning sun, dispelling all gloom.

“Good morning…” Caught in the act, Xuening awkwardly withdrew her hand.

Knock—knock—knock—

Someone knocked at the door. After three beats, the handle turned, and the tall man pushed the door open. Seeing the two little ones awake, Xiang Nan grinned. “Time to get up, my two little princesses!”

“Good morning, Daddy!” Qingnuan sat up nimbly, her milky voice full of energy. Her hair was a messy nest, but it didn’t lessen her cuteness.

Xiang Nan felt a “shot to the heart.” He walked to the bedside and kissed his daughter.

Xuening also sat up. She used her fingers as a comb to smooth her long hair, then propped herself up, intending to struggle into her wheelchair. But Xiang Nan had already walked over and lifted her up with ease.

“Uncle Xiang, I can do it myself…” Xuening pursed her lips, her expression a bit stubborn.

“I know you can, but you’re too slow.” Xiang Nan settled her securely in the wheelchair and ruffled her hair with a mischievous grin. “So leave it to me!”

Xuening put on a look of forced patience and silently reached up again to smooth her hair with her fingers.

“Hahahaha!” Xiang Nan watched her expression teasingly. This girl’s eyes looked exactly like her father’s, which made him really want to tease her.

Qingnuan didn’t understand the joke, but seeing her father laugh, she laughed along with him, her almond eyes crinkling into crescent moons full of pure joy and innocence. Xuening glanced at her, her expression softening as she looked down at her own fingers.

Next, Xiang Nan took the two children downstairs. After washing up, they sat around the table for breakfast.

“By the way, I’m off today,” Xiang Nan said to Xuening while cutting up a poached egg for his daughter. “Let’s go to the hospital later to visit your mother.”

The hand Xuening used to cut her sausage paused. She looked up at Xiang Nan, a look of surprise and joy in her eyes. She had been in A-City for nearly a week but hadn’t been able to see her mother yet. Ye Feifei and Xiang Nan were too busy to take her, and she felt too embarrassed to ask, so she could only call the caregiver every day to check on Su Yuyan. Although everything was normal, she couldn’t help but worry without seeing her.

“It’s also time for a follow-up on your leg,” Xiang Nan added, feeding a small piece of egg to his daughter. “I didn’t arrange things well before. In the future, if you want to visit your mom, just tell the driver. I’ve already briefed him.”

“Thank you, Uncle Xiang,” Xuening said very seriously.

Xiang Nan waved his hand. “If you have any requests in the future, just ask. Don’t keep them to yourself.”

Once they finished talking, Qingnuan asked curiously, “Daddy, are you going out?”

“Yes, to the hospital to visit Sister Xuening’s mommy.”

“Is that the Auntie Su who is sick and staying in the hospital?”

“Yes.”

Qingnuan’s eyes lit up. She waved her small hands and said, “Daddy, Daddy! I want to go see Auntie Su too! Can you take me?”

“I can’t make that decision. You have to ask your Sister Xuening,” Xiang Nan laughed, pinching her nose.

Qingnuan immediately shifted her target. She turned to look eagerly at Xuening and asked in a sweet voice, “Sister Xuening, I’ll be very good! I promise not to be loud around Auntie Su. Is it okay?”

Being stared at with such “moe” eyes, Xuening couldn’t say no. She finally nodded.

“Yay! Sister Xuening is the best!” Qingnuan cheered, looking incredibly happy, which made Xuening couldn’t help but curl her lips into a smile.

After breakfast, Xiang Nan took Qingnuan to her room to change. Before leaving, Qingnuan specifically fed her little goldfish.

“Fishy, be good at home and wait for me to come back!”

The goldfish’s mouth opened and closed as it enjoyed its food, merely flicking its fin at her as a goodbye.

Finally, after some disguising, Xiang Nan took the two children to the car. The van slowly drove out of the neighborhood gate and sped down the wide road.

Not long after they left, a shifty-looking man arrived outside the gate. On closer inspection, it was Auntie Chen’s eldest son—Chen Hui.